Preschool Aide at South Hills Interfaith Movement – Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania

South Hills Interfaith Movement (SHIM) is a human services organization dedicated to mobilizing community resources and implementing sustainable programs that compassionately help our neighbors meet basic needs, achieve self-sufficiency, and build community. We provide direct assistance (food, clothing, and utility assistance) as well as a variety of programs including service coordination, children and youth programs, and the South Hills Family Center.

Program Summary:

SHIM’s Preschool Program strives to equip nonnative English-speaking preschoolers with the necessary academic skills and social confidence to overcome barriers and minimize the education gap upon entry to their academic journey. SHIM Preschool currently operates September through May, Monday through Friday from 9:00 am to 11:45 am. Enrichment and kindergarten camps occur during the summer months. Preschool integrates English as Second Language and social emotional curriculum into the PA Learning Standards to create a holistic environment that supports each child’s unique stage of development and abilities. SHIM’s Preschool is licensed through the PA Department of Education as a private academic nursery school.

Job Summary:

The Preschool Aide is a part time, full-year position. The Preschool Aide is responsible for assisting the program in running the day-to-day programming and ensuring the social, emotional, cognitive, and physical development of children ages 3 – 5 years old. The responsibility of the Aide is to work in conjunction with the program staff and volunteers to provide a safe and educational environment for all students. The Aid is expected to be on site Monday through Friday from 8:30 am to 12:00 pm.

Essential Functions:

· Assist the Lead Teacher in preparing for weekly lessons

· Help to create, clean, organize, and maintain a classroom environment

· Participate in the arrival and dismissal procedures at the beginning and end of the school day

· Establish positive and trusted relationships with students and families

· Engage in physical activity/play, communication, and activities with students

· Supervise activities to ensure safety at all times and follow appropriate safety plans

· Work cooperatively with staff and volunteers

· Participate in staff meetings and trainings

· Understand, support, and implement the preschool teaching philosophy of “learning through play”

· Appropriately correct student behavior when needed

· Assist in consistent evaluation and monitoring of each student to measure growth

· Other duties as assigned

Knowledge/Skills/Abilities:

· Ability to work under pressure while maintaining a positive, calm attitude

· Demonstrated ability working with children, youth, or community development

· Sensitivity and awareness of working with a multi-cultural community

· Ability to positively guide and direct students

· Strong interpersonal, organizational, and verbal communication skills

· Must possess initiative, creativity and problem solving skills

· Ability to work as a team member and to be highly flexible

· Familiarity with early learning standards preferred

· Experience with English learners preferred

Education and Experience:

· High school diploma or equivalent required

· Associate Degree in Early Childhood Education, Education, or Special Education preferred

o Relevant experience or education within youth development, education, social emotional support, and program management may be considered

Supervisory Responsibility:

None

Physical Requirements:

· Ability to reasonably engage in play with students

Clearance Requirements:

· Pennsylvania Access to Criminal History (PATCH) through the Pennsylvania State Police

· Pennsylvania Child Abuse History (PACA) through the Pennsylvania Department of Human Services

· FBI Criminal History Background Check (FBI Fingerprint); requires the individual to submit their fingerprints to the FBI and have the background check run through the PA State Police’s designated agencies

· NSOR

· Mandated Reporter Training